Get to know your docking stations

You can use a docking station to connect your Surface to a full-size monitor, Ethernet, external speakers, and more. The docking station also charges your Surface.

There are two types of docking stations available for Surface.

The docking stations for Surface Pro, Surface Pro 2, Surface Pro 3, and Surface 3 hold your Surface in a frame. To dock your Surface, you place it in the frame of the docking station and slide the sides of the docking station into the sides of your Surface.

Surface Dock (compatible with Surface Pro 3, Surface Pro 4, the latest Surface Pro, Surface Laptop, and Surface Book) is a port replicator with a compact design that doesn’t require you to dock your Surface. Your Surface simply connects to Surface Dock using a single cable. For more info on Surface Dock, see Using Surface Dock.

The power port connects your docking station to a power supply, allowing it to recharge your Surface.

Mini DisplayPort

The Mini DisplayPort is where you connect your external monitor. Depending on your monitor’s connectors, you may need a video adapter (sold separately).

Notes

With a Surface Pro 3 Docking Station, the Mini DisplayPorts on your Surface and docking station are available for use while your Surface is in the docking station.

If you’re using Surface Dock with Surface Book, the Mini DisplayPort on your Surface Book is covered by the Surface Dock connector and isn’t available. This is by design, as you can use only three screens at one time (two external monitors and the screen on Surface Book).

USB ports

Transfer large files to an external drive, connect a USB printer or headset, charge accessories, and more.

Docking Station for Surface Pro and Surface Pro 2 has one USB 3.0 port and three USB 2.0 ports.

Surface Pro 3 Docking Station has three USB 3.0 ports and two USB 2.0 ports. The USB 3.0 port on your Surface Pro 3 is available for use when your Surface is in the docking station.

Surface 3 Docking Station has two USB 3.0 ports and two USB 2.0 ports.

Without external speakers, you may not hear audio when you’re using your Surface. If this is the case, see Troubleshoot Surface docking stations to learn how to switch to the built-in speakers on your Surface.

Connect your Surface to the docking station

Depending on the type of docking station you’re using, you’ll either place your Surface in the docking station or use Surface Connect to connect to it.

Unplug the Surface power supply and remove any attached accessories from your Surface. If you’re using a Typing Cover, open it so it lies flat.

If you have a Surface 3, Surface Pro 3, Surface Pro 4, Surface Pro, or Surface Laptop, you can leave anything you may have connected to the USB port or the Mini DisplayPort.